USDP starts electoral training for candidates in Naypyidaw

Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Leaders of the main junta-backed party including Prime Minister Thein Sein have been providing political and electoral campaign training in Naypyidaw to candidates, a source close to the party says.

Union Solidarity and Development Party leaders including Prime Minister Thein Sein last week started political and electoral campaign training sessions for about 400 party candidates at the USDP's lavish new headquarters (above) in Naypyidaw, a source said. The training is aimed at preventing criticism against candidates for abuse of electoral laws. Photo: Mizzima

Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) leaders led training sessions for about 400 USDP candidates (more than 300 of whom are former military officers) at the USDP’s headquarters in the junta’s secluded capital, the source said.

“They [party leaders] think that they will win in the elections. However they are concerned that some of the candidates will violate and misuse the laws, and if so, other parties will complain against those candidates,” the source said.

The training was conducted from September 13 to 15, from 7 a.m. to late at night. The attendees are candidates from Rangoon, Irrawaddy and Pegu divisions and Mon State. Prominent participants were Khin Shwe, who will contest in the ninth constituency of Rangoon Division in the National Assembly; Rangoon Mayor Aung Thein Lin, Phado Aung San, Takkatho (University) Myat Thu and Takkatho Tin Kha.

USDP candidates from the remaining states and divisions will attend later sessions.

The ex-chief of the Bureau of Special Operations Five, former lieutenant general Myint Swe, was absent because he was recuperating from head injuries sustained in a car accident on the Naypyidaw-Rangoon highway, a trainee said.

Source:http://mizzima.com/news/election-2010-/4378-usdp-starts-electoral-training-for-candidates-in-naypyidaw.html